Dr Leroy McCully of SMILEFOCUS explains how new techniques allow for pain-free root canal treatment.

Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime and with modern treatment methods this is often possible – despite damage or decay. Advances in Root canal treatment (RCT) are a great example. A tooth with an infected nerve once had to be extracted, but it can now be saved through root canal (endodontic) treatment. Any fears of pain are more myth and hyperbole than fact. As not only is having RCT infinitely better than enduring the pain of not having it, but today’s RCT is virtually pain-free! 

          RCT involves the removal of the tooth’s pulp – a small, thread-like tissue important for tooth development in childhood, but redundant in adulthood. An infected pulp causes pressure and pain, occasionally resulting in facial swelling. Sometimes, the deterioration of the pulp happens so gradually little pain is felt. Bacteria eventually destroys the pulp, causing the bone surrounding the tooth to become seriously infected.

          RCT may be required if you’ve experienced a physical blow to a tooth, have irritation from deep decay or a very large filling, need to rectify bacterial leakage of an old filling or crown, or are suffering from severe gum disease.
          With the help of a surgical microscope – capable of detecting the finest details in a tooth’s structure – an Endodontist removes the tooth’s pulp, replacing it with materials to promote healing and seal off the root canal from the underlying jawbone. Due to natural tissue inflammation, the tooth may feel sensitive for the first few days following treatment, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. But any discomfort can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication and you’ll likely be able to resume normal activities the following day.
          As a treated tooth is more fragile, it may be necessary to have a crown fitted for added protection. In the meantime, minimise any chewing until the crown or a permanent filling is in place, to avoid contamination and the tooth breaking.

            Providing good oral hygiene is observed at home and you maintain regular visits to your dentist, a treated and restored tooth can last a lifetime – so you can continue to smile with confidence.

Dr Leroy McCully BDS (Singapore) MSc Endodontics (London)
Dr McCully completed his post-graduate degree in Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment) at the University of London. He is a part-time tutor at NUS and skilled in helping patients with dental anxiety, performing treatments under IV sedation if required.